Brian Ray Buschkoetter, 66, of Shelbyville, was unexpectedly taken to his heavenly Father on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
He was born September 5, 1957, in Jasper, the son of Wilfred and Camilla (Schlachter) Buschkoetter. On September 3, 1978, he married his middle school sweetheart, Deborah Ann Weisheit. Brian and Deb had three children: daughter Alicia Prickel (Jared) of Batesville; and sons Alex Buschkoetter (Casey) of Indianapolis, and Austin Buschkoetter (Joanna) of Greenfield. He was also the proud grandpa of six grandchildren: Josephine, Alban, Oliver, Walter, Edith, & Ezra.
Brian will be incredibly missed by his wife, his mother, his children and grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Bruce Buschkoetter (Charlena) of Ferdinand, Brent Buschkoetter (Kathy) of Jasper, Bert Buschkoetter (Melanie) of Jasper; his sister, Brenda Preusz (Jim) of Columbus; his mother-in-law, Patricia Weisheit of Jasper; his sisters-in-law Kathy Bierma (Ted), Tina Heim (Kent), and Tonia Weisheit; Godchildren Lorraine, Vanessa, and Sydnie; and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father; his brother, Blaine Buschkoetter; his father-in-law, Jim Weisheit; and sister-in-law, Lisa Gehlhausen.
In 1975, Brian graduated from Jasper High School. He obtained an associates degree in 1977 from Vincennes University and a bachelor’s degree in 1985 from IUPUI in Electrical Engineering Technology graduating near the top of his class. Brian enjoyed his career, doing what he loved as an engineer for 19 years at AT&T, followed by 27 years at Indesign in Indianapolis, where he was also a co-founder. He was planning for retirement at the end of the year, for which he and Deb were making many well deserved plans.
A shining example to all, Brian was dearly loved by his family, for whom he was the spiritual leader and patriarch. A devout Catholic, he and Deb were very active members of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where Brian was a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and led the Rosary. Brian and Deb taught CCD classes for 19 years and were a sponsor couple for the marriage prep program. Brian was a member of the Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council No. 822 Shelbyville and a 4th degree member of Father Vincent Bacquelin Assembly Shelbyville.
Brian was a Boy Scout Leader and Scout Master for St. Joseph Troop No. 203. He was the proud father of two Eagle Scouts, was a Firecrafter, and received the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow.
Brian enjoyed hunting, fishing, backpacking, and hiking. He was also a “hobby farmer” willing to try anything at least once on his small farm including a variety of fruits and vegetables in his well-tended garden, raising at one time or another: horses, cows, pigs, goats, and most recently acting as shepherd to an ever-growing flock of sheep. While he was a jack of all trades, and a professional tinkerer – he may have loved nothing more than sharing what he had learned with others. This was most apparent in his teaching of his children and grandchildren any chance he got; with a brimming smile and infectious laugh from the joy it brought to him. Brian was always willing to help a friend, and by all accounts one of the best of us.
“Well done you good and faithful servant!” – Matthew 25:23
Visitation will be from 3 to 8 pm, Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville, with the Rosary recited at 2:30 pm, followed by the Divine Mercy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 am, Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 4218 E. Michigan Road, Shelbyville.
Interment will be at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or for a mass to be said in his memory.
Online condolences may be shared with Brian’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
